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33 Minutes
A lot can happen in 33 minutes… just ask Sam Lewis, who is going to get his butt kicked in 33 minutes by his former best friend, Morgan Sturtz. Written in a span of time that takes only 33 minutes, Todd Hasak-Lowy creates a typical middle school environment where anything can happen. …
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The Fire Horse Girl
I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel based in San Francisco in the early 1920s. Often, parts of history seem to be overlooked in grade school and although much is said about immigration through Ellis Island, I had never heard of Angel Island, until I read this novel. Angel Island…
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Better Nate Than Ever
I found I was easily able to relate to Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle. Nate is growing up outside of Pittsburgh and trying to survive middle school. While his older brother is “perfect” at everything (i.e. sports), Nate prefers Broadway shows and singing, hoping one day to be a star! …
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The Colossus Rises
If you’re a librarian like me, there is a constant stream of kids asking, “What do I read now?” Even if you’re not a librarian, you may have asked yourself this as well. It’s always difficult after you find a great author or series to jump into something else you…
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Fun Friday Program – Urban Art
Friday’s program was a lot of fun! We ended up with 27 students from 1st – 4th grade. Our theme for the month was “Urban Art.” Because these kids live only about 20 minutes outside of Philadelphia with its largest public art program in the country, I felt that urban…
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Story Time Theme: Clap, Tap, & Drum
This was a new theme for me… Clap, Tap, and Drum and I was hesitant when I began planning this because I tried some new books and I wasn’t quite sure how they’d turn out. I had a little trouble with my younger kids and the first book. They did…
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World Read Aloud Day & Princess Party
Beside my regular Yoga Story Time each Wednesday, we also hosted a Princess Party for children in Kindergarten through 2nd Grade last night with lots of frilly fun and games! Yesterday was also “Spread the Word to End the Word” Day as well as World Read Aloud Day. A busy…
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Spread the Word to End the Word
Spread the Word to End the Word is a campaign that I promote every year because it is so important to me. My parents are both professors of Adapted Physical Activity, teaching students going into majors such as physical education, special education, therapeutic recreation, among others how to adapt physical…
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A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin
A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin written by Jen Bryant and illustrated by Melissa Sweet is a biography of AFrican American artist, Horace Pippin. As I began this well illustrated biography, I was delighted to find out that Horace Pippin was born just down the road…
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Lincoln’s Grave Robbers
Steve Sheinkin, author of Newbery Honor book, Bomb: The Race to Build – and Steal – the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon, has written a true crime thriller – Lincoln’s Grave Robbers. The story “alternates between the conspirators, the Secret Service agents on their tail, and the undercover double agent moving…